SUGARAY RAYFORD – SOUTHSIDE

4 1/2 stars

Delta Groove Music, we like their releases .. all we’ve received are pro. We reviewed Sugaray’s previous record here. Mr. Rayford sho’ can sing the blues. He is also the singer for the Mannish Boys. Powerful raw blues voice .. we dig it.

Here’s the track details:

1. Southside Of Town 5:19

2. Miss Thang 4:46

3. Live To Love Again 4:45

4. Texas Bluesman 5:23

5. Take It To The Bank 4:24

6. Call Off The Mission 4:56

7. All I Think About 3:39

8. Take Away These Blues 4:01

9. Slow Motion 6:54

all songs written by Rayford and Carter, with the exception of Track 4 written by Rayford.

Tight band .. real tasty playing. The main focus of this album though is on the groove. Ralph Carter’s bass lines working with Lavell Jones drums, supporting the powerful voice of Sugaray. The horns, guitar, keys, backup vocals are the BBQ sauce, and they are sweet and tasty .. however, the bass/drum groove and lead vocals are the pulled pork, the meat on this CD.

On this new release, Sugaray is taking his voice through a lot of different blues styles .. a lot of different grooves. R&B groove with a touch of jazz voicings on some tracks. Rawer blues drive on others. A bit of funk. Track 5, “Take It To The Bank” is the exception. An acoustic guitar/vocal/harmonica blues that sounds like it was recorded live using a single mike .. feels like you’re in Sugaray’s motel room after a gig, hanging out while Sugaray sings one more ..

All in all, a very good blues record that once again showcases the vocals of one powerful bluesman .. Sugaray Rayford. We give it 4 1/2 stars.

Here’s some links so you can get your own copy of this great CD and learn more about Sugaray Rayford, y’all ..